News

Natural gas still in the pipeline for Heathcote

Natural gas is still on its way to Heathcote according to Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan.

Ms Ryan announced the rollout of natural gas for Heathcote through the Energy for Regions program during her election campaign in 2014 and said gas was likely to be available by mid-2017.

“I am advised that the land for the receiving station has been purchased and designs for the site are nearing finalisation,” Ms Ryan said.

“All environmental and cultural heritage assessments have been finalised, planning permit approval has been received and commencement of the supply main for the township is proposed to occur this month for December completion.

“Connection to natural gas means Heathcote residents and business owners will have reliable and affordable gas like other regionals centres such as Bendigo.

“The need for this connection has been raised with me many times by Heathcote residents over the past two years and I am pleased connection is now on the horizon.”

Ms Ryan said reliable natural gas would also mean Heathcote could compete with other regional towns to secure business and investment.

“Reliable utilities such as natural gas mean one less hurdle for setting up a new business or choosing to invest in a town,” Ms Ryan said.

“I believe natural gas connection will make a real difference in Heathcote when it comes to job creation and a healthy local economy.”

Ms Ryan said the current Andrews Labor Government had disappointingly failed to continue the Energy for Regions program which had been responsible for providing gas to a total of 18 towns across Victoria.

“I have fielded inquiries from a number of towns wanting to connect to natural gas but the Andrews Government has unfortunately axed the program which made it viable,” Ms Ryan said.

“Labor has previously said that it does not plan to connect any more town to natural gas which is a great shame considering the economic and social benefits it brings to small communities.”

Brookfield Energy Australia plans to conduct a community forum in Heathcote early in the second quarter of 2017 to update residents.